Jennifer Villaranda stated, “I am delighted with this outcome. The Chairperson of the Tribunal was appalled by the level of exploitation we suffered. We worked for the Ambassador 15 hours a day, 7 days a week and we were only paid only €170 per month – less than €2 per hour. We were constantly on call, our passports were taken and we never had a day off.”

Claire McQuillan of McGuill Solicitors, solicitor for the three women, stated “We welcome the judgment and will study it closely when we receive the written decision. This is welcome progress in the law in this area.”

Virginija Petrauskaite, MRCI Legal Officer, has been working with the three women since 2011. Ms Petrauskaite stated, “This is an extraordinary and unprecedented judgment. It validates the rights of the women subjected to these appalling conditions. We urge the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure the Ambassador actually pays this award, particularly in light of commitments made in the recently-adopted Measures to Protect Domestic Workers in Diplomatic Households.”